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Betts Expected to Again Have a Big Role

Clinton Portis has said he is fine with whatever role backup running back Ladell Betts has in the offense each season.

Well, it appears Portis will have an opportunity to prove it this season.

Coach Jim Zorn has expanded Betts's responsibilities, making him the primary running back on third downs. That previously had been Portis's domain -- as well as every other down for the Redskins' offense -- as long as Portis was physically sound enough to play or not on the sideline during a rare break for him.

Betts has earned the opportunity because of his impressive performance throughout the offseason and camp and the professionalism he has exhibited under Zorn, coaches and players said. The Redskins also expect Portis to benefit from more time off. Portis experienced a major drop-off in production during the second half of last season (he rushed for at least 80 yards just twice in the final eight games), and his late flop coincided with the team's 2-6 collapse. Fewer plays, the theory goes, should help Portis remain energized from start to finish.

The main reason for the change, though, is that Betts forced the issue because of what he's done on the field, and the Redskins are eager to give him more work.

"He has been preparing to play," offensive coordinator Sherman Smith said. "We told him, 'You need to prepare like a starter would prepare,' because of what we want to do with him. We've already committed to him that he's going to be our third-down guy, so he wants to take ownership of that. And just to be prepared that if something happens to C.P., he's going to go in there and we're not going to miss a beat. He's been great. He's had a great camp."

Of course, it's not as if Betts is unproven.

He has been a steady backup for seven seasons, and shone in his one big chance as a primary running back in 2006. With Portis sidelined for the second half of the season because of a hand injury, Betts rushed for a personal-best 1,154 yards, with a 4.7-yard average and four touchdowns. He also was big in the passing game, catching 53 passes for 445 yards and one touchdown.

Portis reclaimed top-back status under former coach Joe Gibbs in 2007 and played a key role in the Redskins' late-season sprint to an NFC wild-card berth. That season, Betts totaled 335 yards on 93 rushes (a 3.6-yard average) and had 21 receptions for 174 yards.

Last season, Betts sprained his left knee Oct. 12 in a 19-17 loss to the St. Louis Rams and never regained the strong form he displayed in the preseason. He gained 206 yards on 61 rushes (a 3.4-yard average) and caught 22 passes for 200 yards. Zorn last season envisioned a bigger role for Betts "before I got hurt. They were trying to figure out ways to get me involved. I was getting carries, and they even had situations where Clinton and I were in the game at the same time, but the injury kind of derailed all that. Hopefully, we can pick up where we left off."

That's the plan, Smith said.

"He's going to deliver; we're not worried about that," Smith said of Betts, who like Portis is considered outstanding in pass protection. "The thing we're doing with this also, for Clinton, is to give him some plays, some breaks, where we can put another guy in. You need two backs to do it today. One guy can't carry the whole load. We have a very good running back in Ladell Betts, and it's just foolish not to use him."

Portis is open about his disdain for practice and the preseason, but he enjoys the regular season and playoffs. Under Gibbs, Portis remained on the field until he got tired and wanted a break, players said, and Portis rarely wanted a break.

Portis sat out the preseason opener so Betts started last week's 23-0 loss to the Baltimore Ravens. The Redskins host the Pittsburgh Steelers on Saturday at FedEx Field, providing Zorn, Washington's play-caller, with his first opportunity to test his new role for Betts.

I respect what Zorn is attempting to do because Betts too often has been a spectator on the sideline. Many players have told me he deserves a bigger piece of the pie, and not only because he is a good guy who works hard. Betts has proven what he can do with the ball, and it seems downright ludicrous to waste someone with his talent.

Portis, however, has a uniquely close relationship with owner Daniel Snyder. And Vinny Cerrato, Washington's executive vice president of football operations, recently told my guy, Barry Svrluga, that Portis calls "me a lot before the draft, before free agency, [to] talk about guys. He's into it. He knows who's on the team. He knows who the players are around the league. He likes all that. He likes personnel stuff."

And that's why Zorn's plan is risky. Portis has the ear of the owner and the owner's No. 2 guy, and he has gone public in the past when he feels less than appreciated. If the Redskins win with Betts doing more, well, everything should be cool even if Portis longs for the good old days. But if they struggle and Portis is unhappy, well, that could be problematic, especially for Zorn.

"You have to make a commitment to it. You really do," Smith said, referring only to Zorn's plan for the Nos. 1 and 2 running backs. "You have a good running back in Clinton Portis so you say, 'Man, you don't really want to take him off the field.' But there are places where you can play a guy like Ladell Betts, and you rest Clinton Portis.

"Even if it's 15 plays a game, in the fourth quarter, Clinton Portis should be ready to go because he's rested. If we have 2 minutes and 4 seconds before the halftime, Ladell Betts should do that. That's another place Clinton can get some rest. So this is twofold: You want to get Portis rest, but you also want to take advantage if Ladell Betts. He's a good player."

I'm pretty sure he still has access to this address. I have a friend who is a prod. asst for ESPN (works at the Bristol office). He texted me the address after searching his outlook contacts. I am not kidding.

I think Hackett gets the fifth WR slot if he shows willingness/ability to play on teams. Zorn's got to like his familiarity with the system especially when he's already dealing with three "project" type pass catchers (Kelly, Devin, Boozy). Marko's a practice squad guy this year, I'd say.

Posted by: dc-nc | August 21, 2009 10:59 AM

Disagree. Hackett doesn't make the team. Zorn has had plenty of chances to add him to the roster last year and earlier this year and it didn't work out. Throw in his history of injuries and he's cut. Maybe early to give him a chance to catch on somewhere else.

I do not comment here too often, but I read the blog almost daily. I happened to be scrolling through the comments and noticed the question posed in regards to Marty’s email address. I answered the question with a legitimate email address. As I stated, my friend is an administrative asst. in the Production Dept. at ESPN’s Bristol offices. He searched the staff outlook contacts, and gave me Mary’s email address. It is his real address, so why is the question still being asked?

Ladell Betts is a fumbler who isn't worth the 4th round pick we could get for him via trade. This career back-up wouldn't know Marty S. email ADD if it was saved in his own Outlook address book. TRADE HIM.

It's nice to know what's going on with Betts, but the actual interest lies in that final RB spot.

How is that shaping up? Are Aldridge and Dorsey pushing Rock? Is Mason getting a shot (Portis singled him out as one of two players having the best camp so far, yet we haven't heard anything about it)?

You now, how in "Spartacus," When Kirk Douglass rises and says "I am Spartacus" because he figures he'll save his fellow warriors from further pain? And then how one by one they all rise up and say "I am Spartacus?"

What we really need in a 3rd down back is a speedy receiving back. With our line we will have alot of passing downs on 3rd down. Whatever happened to the joe Washingtons and Kelvin Bryant types we use to employ? I think Betts could do fine with more opportunity but he is essentially the same player as Portis except he works harder and has less talent. We need a DIFFERENT type of back. Somebody who is gonna have to be accounted for and can make big plays. I think the real reason they want Betts in on 3rd downs is because our RBs are gonna have to help block with our sorry ass O-line and Portis is probably complaining about the beating he is taking in all those 3rd down passing situations when he's stuck blocking.

"Betts has earned the opportunity because of his impressive performance throughout the offseason and camp and the professionalism he has exhibited under Zorn, coaches and players said."--RI, Duh Mayor
No argument. Betts, like the Redskins front office ALWAYS has a great OFF-season. But when it counts--except for that one year his defenders will undoubtedly bring up--not so freakin' much.
Posted by: TheCork | August 21, 2009 11:37 AM

Nice to have some good, cheap depth on the roster though isn’t it? Especially a guy who most in the org feel could be a starter elsewhere. Sure, let’s trade our 2nd best running back……

Too bad Marinelli didn't work out...I'm pretty sure that if he coaches ANY of the other 30 teams (I'm purposely omitting Oakland), he ends up being pretty good though.

Posted by: brownwood26 | August 21, 2009 11:26 AM

Why are the Raiders a frequent whipping boy on this blog as if they were the Lions or the Browns? Crazy Al aside, they have been to a Super Bowl this decade (should have been to one more but for a blown fumble call). Just sayin.

Shouldn't a 3rd down back be able to break a tackle? Or push a pile on occasion?

Posted by: TotallyTacos | August 21, 2009 11:06 AM | Report abuse

Actually, third down backs have traditionally been "scat-back" types, smaller, speedy guys who can get open and catch passes, e.g., Joe Washington, and, more recently, Leon Washington of the Jets.

Posted by: rbpalmer | August 21, 2009 11:44 AM |

I suppose it can go either way. I tend to think of the 3rd down back as more of the Jermoe Bettis / Lendale White types who can fight for a yard and 3rd & short. But some teams go about it the other way, like the Giants and as you mentioned, Washington on the Jets. I'd still take Portis over Betts on 3rd & short any day, though. But if we're talking 3rd and 8 scenarios then ok, fine, Betts works well there.

I think Betts will be in on third downs for 1) he's a better receiver out fo the backfield and 2) it gives Portis a rest. Hey, I don't have a problem with this. I think Betts will do okay in spot duty and even if Portis grumbles, it is the right thing to do for his career as well.

Making this announcement now might suggest that the team's plan to have a scatback has been shelved. This might be good news for Mason who can occupy a fourth running back's spot. After last season, they might be thinking that carrying four running backs on the roster is a good thing. I say four because no one has done anything to take Cartwright's kick returner job away from him.

Marko has too much talent to risk putting on the PS? He's a 7th rounder, guys. If he was in such demand that he'd be plucked right off the squad for someone's 53-man roster, don't you think he'd have shown up somewhere before the 250th pick? Folks around here have an unhealthy infatuation with newness and an overinflated impression of our talent level, IMO.

Marko has too much talent to risk putting on the PS? He's a 7th rounder, guys. If he was in such demand that he'd be plucked right off the squad for someone's 53-man roster, don't you think he'd have shown up somewhere before the 250th pick? Folks around here have an unhealthy infatuation with newness and an overinflated impression of our talent level, IMO.

But if they struggle and Portis is unhappy, well, that could be problematic, especially for Zorn.
By Jason Reid | August 21, 2009; 10:50 AM ET
Never waste an opportunity to make stuff up.
Posted by: Barno1 | August 21, 2009 11:58 AM

What it SHOULD say is
“But if they struggle and Portis is unhappy, well, that could be problematic, especially for Zorn, and it could further the global warming epidemic that so many in the organization are blind to.”

How is that shaping up? Are Aldridge and Dorsey pushing Rock? Is Mason getting a shot (Portis singled him out as one of two players having the best camp so far, yet we haven't heard anything about it)?

Posted by: psps23 | August 21, 2009 11:33 AM

This is an excellent question. Due to inactivity from injury Aldridge is probably out of the running. He and Dorsey have also shown a tendency to fumble. Mason is just one of those guys who shows promise but for whatever reason just never latches on with a team long-term. I like Eloi to return kicks because of his game breaking speed. If I'm GM, I ride with the young boys. Eloi to return kicks and which ever between Aldridge and Dorsey the coaches believe can help most as change of pace back/pr. But what do I know. I would also start Kelly and Thomas at X and Z and Moss at the Y.

Why are the Raiders a frequent whipping boy on this blog as if they were the Lions or the Browns? Crazy Al aside, they have been to a Super Bowl this decade (should have been to one more but for a blown fumble call). Just sayin.

Posted by: learnedhand1 | August 21, 2009 11:55 AM

Um, look at 'em SINCE the Super Bowl. And considering their coach may be facing criminal charges for assaulting his OWN ASSISTANT, I'm thinking they're the most disfunctional team in the league.

Betts is a good receiver. His average gain per pass is right there with Westbrook and Ward, who get thrown to a lot more. Portis has decent hands, but for some reason he drops the ball more than many receivers -- probably lack of concentration, or maybe he's just tired. Either way, having a fresh Betts on third down is probably a better option than a tired Portis. Means fewer throws for Cooley and Davis, but them's the breaks. You have to admire the way the Jints and Iggles have used the RB over the past few seasons. Worth imitating.

BETTS is not the man, even with a BETTIS jersey on. He's just too much of a straight ahead jammer, and often slow to the line blocks whenever there are any. Seems to have the mind-set of I'll just run through people. A-a-n-n-h-h-h!!!!Wrong. Thank you for playing.

bw26, no doubt they have been atrocious the last 6 yrs but since 1993 they have one more playoff appearance than the Skins (including that SB appearance). I guess you're too young to remember '93-'98. And '00-'04 wasn't that pretty either. Let's keep things in perspective.

"Yes, the Raiders are dysfunctional, but they will always have the best uni's and gear in professional sports. I love me some Redskins, but our gear looks like a used napkin at McDonalds.Posted by: Kenbeatrizz"

Rumor has it that Al Davis is a contestant on Project Runway next season. His designs are just fabulous...

I think mitchell makes the team. If the secondary and Portis and all the vets are talking about him, then he must have something. He has the potential to really add something to the offense. Hackett would be a guy with minimal upside. He knows the playbook, who cares? Hes slow and old.

Im hoping they keep 4 rb's so we don't have to go sign somebody off the street like last year. So many teams keep 4 rb's now, I think its becoming the standard. Would love to see Alridge/Dorsey make it. Anyone know if we can keep Alridge's rights by putting him on IR/PUP?

"Just for once I'd like to read a glowing article about Betts AFTER the season, instead of before, like we get every year before the annual disappearing act.
Posted by: McMetal"

I'm trying to figure out why anybody complains about this guy. He gets what, 60 carries last season and averages 3.4 yards, plus 22 receptions for more than 200 yards, with one fumble? That's not bad at all for a part-time player. Main problem was he got hurt and only played in 13 games.

When he did get his chance, in '06, the guy averaged 4.7 yards, gained 1154, scored 4 TDs, and caught 53 for 445 yards -- in only 9 starts.

He's no Clinton Portis, but he's not muffaletta, either. If anything, we've underused the guy.

Also, Tom Brady, a sixth round pick. I mean who would want him? Using dc-nc logic he must not be good.

Posted by: gatorskinz2000

Same thing goes for all the "Chris Horton has peaked" chatter. If Chris Horton was a first rounder, we'd all be talking about how much better he's going to be in his second year. Once you're in the NFL, where you were picked means nothing. Ask David Carr how much his slot in the draft means to his career.

When was the last time you could relax and watch the redskins in the fourth quarter of a game without it being a nail biter? we always either need a score to get the lead or we are one play away from losing the lead. We need to score more this year and be able to rest some guys later in the game. Man I miss the old days around here.

Portis is a terrific back and so I want him carrying the load. I especially want him carrying it on money plays. 3rd downs and near the goal line. Plus, I want him to catch the football, since he excels after the catch.

My plan to feature Betts 4 times during the season (w/Portis backup) gives Portis rest so he can be stronger in December, when he can be a beast.

Of course, its all a moot point if our OL can't move a DL. And we alI saw that movie last season

The questions concerning Mitchell coming out of college wasn't his talent level, but more the fact he was raw. He wasn't asked to run sophisticated routes, and the level of competition he faced wasn't best. Mitchell is showing he can compete with elite talent, and he is showing he's "coachable". IMO, if Mitchell shows he can make plays during the remaining 3 games, he'll make the 53 man roster.

Hackett makes the team if he plays decently during preseason. No way that JZ will go into the regular season with two second-year guys who have little experience and rookie as part of the WR group. Assuming a likely injury to Moss, we need an experienced 3rd WR like Hackett who knows the offense and can contribute. Last year we had no 3rd WR to speak of unless you consider Thrash a receiving threat at that point in his career. This killed us when teams started doubling on Moss who was also nicked up.

Hackett has size at 6 2" and is a threat in the red zone as well as on slants on third down. The Skins tried to sign him for the minimum last year and he signed elsewhere. No surprise that JZ snatched him up once Williams broke his finger. Mitchell ends up on the practice squad because any team who claimed him would have to put him on the active roster which wouldn't happen with a rookie who had been through training camp with another team.

They make a decent muffuletta at a place down the street from my office, but I've never had a muffuletta I would characterize as great. Just not sure that's a sandwich I'm ever going to love. But I'll continue giving it a shot from time to time, since, as with low round draft picks, ya never know.

"The questions concerning Mitchell coming out of college wasn't his talent level, but more the fact he was raw. He wasn't asked to run sophisticated routes, and the level of competition he faced wasn't best. Mitchell is showing he can compete with elite talent, and he is showing he's "coachable". IMO, if Mitchell shows he can make plays during the remaining 3 games, he'll make the 53 man roster.
Posted by: TWISI"

The thing I keep hearing about Mitchell is he's much better catching the ball over his shoulder than he is running a pattern that requires him to break sharply to one side. Dunno if it's true, however. Same would be a fair observation of Darius Heyward-Bey, by the way.

With Smoot learning safety, this means we'll probably only keep 4 safeties. Does this create an extra roster spot? I'd like to see us keep 4 rb's.

I think jz will keep Mitchell. I really don't see what Hackett brings to the table. You do not get better by relying on old guys. We've tried this stop-gap approach for years. Time to let the young ones play.

"I really don't see what Hackett brings to the table. You do not get better by relying on old guys. We've tried this stop-gap approach for years. Time to let the young ones play.Posted by: brian58"

Nah, think about that for a moment. They've got two young high-round draft choices who'll make it. Both have questions. Suppose somebody gets hurt or both struggle? Who plays? You want a guy who knows the system.

If Kelly and Thomas were third year guys who'd played a lot last year, it would be different. But they're the young guys that Zorn is going to play. He doesn't need another one.

Mitchell ends up on the practice squad because any team who claimed him would have to put him on the active roster which wouldn't happen with a rookie who had been through training camp with another team.

Posted by: wizfan89 | August 21, 2009 12:59 PM |

Not necessarily true. I know Crummey was signed off the Skins practice squad last year. I think signing practice squad guys isn't uncommon. IMO, Hackett would have to show a willingness to play ST, or that he's demonstratively better than the other WRs to get on the active roster.

Samson, I guess I'm asssuming that either Kelly/Thomas is productive. I think you have to make that assumption or it hurts the team in the long run. I'm probably too optimistic here, but I think Kelly can be that guy. He was hurt last year. He wasn't a bonehead like Thomas, who didn't/doesn't understand what's going on.

Jason Reid, I think it is so dumb for you to keep implying this. Does anyone on here forget who Portis is? By that I mean that there was no bigger fan of Betts in the whole orginization as Portis was. Also, Portis has never been a ball hog. He was famous for always saying that he doesnt want alot of carries. He always says that he wish Betts was right so he could get back to getting just 20 or 22 carries per game again. Infact, Portis would always be criticized because he would volunteer to come out the game for Betts.

Reid keeps saying the same thing but it isnt true. Thats not CP. He doesnt want to get 30 carries per game and he always wants Betts to share the load. Zorn just didnt do it last year for whatever reason. This will not upset Portis at all. Im a guy last year who told all the fans that we were running CP too much and everyone said that we should run him until the wheels run off. I said that he led the league in carries the year before and he's again leading the league this year. Sure he's tearing it up out there but if you have a brain then you know he's going to slow down. You cant have those carries every single year espically when there pretty much all tough hard runs.

CP will not be upset at this. Also, I expect our O to be better so Betts can take a bigger load and CP can basically get the same amount of carries because we will be able to run more plays. The carries also should be easier one's if our O is more explosive. Still, this article and Reid's constant comments are so wrong about this situation. Betts got a ton of carries as a backup when Gibbs was here and CP was totally fine with it. He liked it. I remember Larry Johnson use to say that he doesnt get started until he got 30 carries and in the same week CP would say that he doesnt really want to go much over 300 carries in a season.

Then Reid is also totally wrong when he said that Betts is as good as CP in blocking. He sucks at blocking. Thats another reason why the coaches wanted CP in on passing downs even though Betts is the much better receiver. Betts does everything else well though and he shouldnt be rotting on a bench when he has proven himself in this league. I said that last year and I say it again now but dont blame CP for this or think that CP will be upset. He wont. CP will also still be in on most short yardage 3rd down plays because he's clearly the better runner in those spots

"Samson, I guess I'm asssuming that either Kelly/Thomas is productive. I think you have to make that assumption or it hurts the team in the long run. I'm probably too optimistic here, but I think Kelly can be that guy. He was hurt last year. He wasn't a bonehead like Thomas, who didn't/doesn't understand what's going on.Posted by: bria"

Could be. But from the standpoint of someone putting together a roster for this coming season, I think I'd prefer three vets and two rooks at the WR position, compared to the reverse.

First of all, you guys are so freakin' funny i'm laughing out loud and I like reading these comments as much as like the blog. Secondly...everyone is right about Betts. he should get more time and its the best thing in the world for Portis. case closed.

Betts being the primary running back on third downs is a joke.
He has done nothing the last 2 years, and watching him block is a joke.
Why would you keep your best back on the sideline when you need a first down?

I agree w/ 2041, and it can't be emphasized enough how Betts' poor pass blocking kept him on the bench on 3rd downs last year, when the coaching staff would've loved to have spelled CP. I'm hoping their plan to use Betts more this year means he's improved his pass blocking enough to earn their trust on 3rd downs, cuz in every other aspect of the game, he's more than an adequate back-up. But if you can't stop that blitzing safety or stunting LB, how can a coach feel confident putting you in on a passing down?

But if that's improved, I look fwd to a fresher, more rested CP in the 4th qtr, and last month of the season (and hopefully playoffs...PLAYOFFS?!?!?....)

What if Jason Campbell had the nads to throw the ball down the field? Maybe it wouldn't matter so much who as to who is running or blocking.

Listen to an All-Star QB do an interview followed by Campbell. Sorry, but I've always thought that Campbell had all of the tools EXCEPT above average smarts. Couple that with Gibbs ruining him by being OVER protective of the ball and you continue to get 8-8 seasons.

the team has needed to spell portis with use of another back for a couple years. but do all our RUNNING backs have to be 5-8 to 5-11 tall? ok: sellers is 63. but he is a blocker and can't push the pile or dodge a bullet. betts has talent, but is essentially the same player as portis. where is our boomer who can consistently get that 1 or 2 when we need it?

GREAT post "dlts2041." maybe our fans have forgotten how many larry brown was used, which coupled with his running style ended up with a short 7-yr career... maybe some aren't old or wise enuf to understand the need for rest at the pro level. OR maybe some have only lived in dc long enough to believe they are fans simply becuz they can afford to buy the tickets. in that case, a game being simply a place to be seen, a networking event, a sign validating personal success... or something else other than love of ball.

samson151. i don't really know the strengths of the 3 guys you spoke abt. BUT if it came down to it, i, personally would relate more to the guy who can fool or slip a tackle, run away from a pursuer OR consistently crash for 1.5 to 3 yds when NEEDED. experience (from my pov) is less important than pure ability. i'll accept an occasional mistake if you're bringing some goods home. just saying.